Creativity

The premiere of ‘Pieli: The Rise of Montana’ showcased the leaps of growth Ghanaian film is making, especially that of the budding film industry in the North. But just as it is inspiring to see standouts, it is also concerning to realize how much more work needs to be done in Ghana’s film industry as …

In 2011, I wrote: “Chale Wote could soon be the in-thing on the GH street arts scene”. I should have written “on the non-existent Ghana street arts scene” – it was the very first edition of what would later evolve into Africa’s largest street arts festival. Then, as now, I was captivated by the innovative …

By NANA KONAMAH BOATENG I am a book worm. I don’t just read books, I devour them with a ferocity and hunger that only matches the way my mother can finish off a chicken bone. I love books, I love to read. Growing up, I read whatever I could get my hands on. I spent …

By HAKEEM ADAM In his powerful poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers, Langston Hughes mentions “rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins”. Prolific Congolese soukous aficionado Siama Matuzungidi borrows this theme in his latest album aptly titled Rivers: From the Congo to the Mississippi, where …

Fellow Ghanaians, As you well know, Ghana celebrated its 59th anniversary of independence yesterday. An occasion many call a feat because we have done so largely without the violence and instability that mar the histories of many African nations. And yet, the day before Independence Day, I felt nothing. The morning of Independence Day, …

[Kamasi Washington – Clair de Lune] I do not know if I am terribly in a need of some writerly courage – or any other kind – and because we sometimes underestimate how powerful a single thank you can be, my tongue feels burdened and has chosen my hands to speak. Therefore, with simmering …

When was the last time an African film struck you? Would that film fall into your top ten African Films? Are you even able to remember that list? Considering how great a role film plays in our lives today, you should definitely know more about African films. Let me help you by revisiting one of …

Security Blanket Your brimming eyes offer themselves in a silent plea to penetrate the Red haze and instantly dissolves my anger. You clamber into my lap and I cradle you as my heart Breaks for the one who calls me Mama. My child, I may be able to mend scraped knees but No band-aid can …

All it takes is a word like Motherfuckitude to give a whiff of what to expect – discomfort, candor, truth, courage. Delve deeper and you’ll find that ‘unapologetic’ might be the most appropriate word in the English dictionary to describe Poetra Asantewa’s debut. Doused in cleverly strung words, mellow sounds, a distinctly hypnotic voice and, …

The Ghanaian music scene is rediscovering the appeal of thought provoking sounds that do more than make you move. The kind of rhythm and soul that is the foundation of the high life and hip life genres and gave birth to the likes of Osibisa, Obrafour, Nana Ampadu and Reggie Rockstone; solidifying the essence of …

Wiyaala, Africa’s young lionness and legend in the making will be performing alongside the amazing Djimba World Band at +233 in Accra on September 19, 2015 (tomorrow) – and we’re giving away a free ticket to one lucky reader! HOW TO ENTER: Follow @Circumspecte_ and @Wiyaala on Twitter Tweet both accounts with your best …

It is impossible to talk art in Ghana or Africa without mentioning Chale Wote. When the official poster was released, the festival’s much desired and inevitable growth was evident. However, I found myself feeling more scared and anxious, than excited, to see if adding two more days to Chale Wote’s programming would increase the satisfaction …

Recent events in the United States and across the globe – notably #BlackLivesMatter – have brought focus to one very essential question: Is race and racial injustice truly a thing of the past? That’s what makes ‘Bus Nut’ timely.

Global leaders and development experts have been racking their brains for decades now on how to eradicate poverty. Now, thanks to the Global Futures contest – spearheaded by the Georgetown University Global Futures Initiative – students at higher education institutions worldwide have an opportunity to propose a solution to ending poverty by 2030. How? Simply …

With her well-outlined mohawk, ripped African print gown, and pink glow-in-the-dark Chuck Taylors, unyielding Wiyaala blew away the richly diverse audience at Alliance Française Accra with the launch of her self-titled debut studio album on November 14. An afro-pop artiste from Ghana’s Upper West region, who sings in English and her local language Sissala, Noella Wiyaala …

The choice for this week’s Mosaic feature was easy and can be summed up in two words: Jojo Abot. We’ve had her music on replay – especially when cooking! – but that’s not all she does. From acting(lead actress in Kwaku Ananse), to style (Gold Coast Art House, formerly VintageGH), to business, and now music, …

We’ve been waiting for the official release of Efya’s debut album “Love Genesis” for what seems like eternity. In the meantime, she teases and invites us with hints of what’s to come, and when she finally delivers, boy does she deliver! Check out the official video to “Life” the first single off “Love Genesis”, …

We’re always on the lookout for interesting sounds from African artistes. Add a layer of consciousness and we’re sold! That’s precisely what today’s Mosaic feature Delasi offers in his second single off his upcoming premier album Thought Journey. Produced by Japanese producer Junknuts, “Why” explores the current global turmoil in what sometimes seems to be …

Dance. If there’s one thing many Africans are good at, it’s got to be that. We move to an unmistakable rhythm. It’s fascinating what the human body can do and I’m always keen to capture the moment and movement. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. But when it does, pure wonder! Young, old, modern, …

One of the coolest things about Circumspecte? You, the reader. It’s always lovely to discover, meet and interact with the people who, for one reason or another, visit Circumspecte. Some come, take a look around and move on. Others wander around, find something they are drawn to and then check back once in a while. …

At this point, it’s clear I’m a Wiyaala fan. Not only does she have a refreshing sound and look, she’s got great insights on being creative with language! I tipped her for future wins after the 2013 Ghana Music Awards; not only is she not disappointing, she’s kicking it up a notch! The Sisala …

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